Win 2000 reboots whenever I try to install new hardware

deuist · 05-03-2005, 08:43 PM

I've been using the same Windows 2000 box for a few years now without any problems. Recently, whenever I try to use a new piece of hardware, the computer reboots. For example, if I insert a flash key drive, I get the "New hardware detected" screen, but then the machine instantly reboots. Also, I recently inserted a 2-year-old hard drive as a slave and had the same problem. Windows would start and even get as far as showing my desktop background. As the computer tries to set the drive letters, however, it instantly reboots again.

Some other details:

* The BIOS recognizes the new hard drive.
* I have used the hard drive and memory stick on other Windows 2000 computers just fine.
* I can still use my old hot-swappable hardware and the computer recognizes them perfectly. i.e., I insert the USB cable for my digital camera and Windows runs through "New hardware detected" quickly and then accepts the camera. Only new hardware has this problem.
* I recently put startup.exe on my computer. For those unfamiliar with the utility, it allows users to force certain programs not to start up when the computer boots. For example, I have Real Player's auto update disabled.
* I do not have any Microsoft programs disabled through startup.

Does anyone have any ideas? I cannot give manufactorer details---I built the computer myself. It does have an Athlon 1800 processor, DDR memory, and a current 80 GB HD as the master.

I will run Knoppix Linux later tonight to see if I still have the same reboot problem. (I doubt it.)

Feel free to email responses to aycock [at] phys [dot] ufl [dot] edu

Ashler · 05-19-2005, 08:44 AM

Check your event log and post any errors. This will help narrow down the problem.

djspoof · 05-21-2005, 09:45 AM

Well if linux does it too I'd check your ram. Weird problems only on one computer that don't add up always come down to bad or incompatible ram. Well not always, but it's my guess none the less.

05-03-2005, 08:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
deuist Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3 OS: Win 2000	Win 2000 reboots whenever I try to install new hardware I've been using the same Windows 2000 box for a few years now without any problems. Recently, whenever I try to use a new piece of hardware, the computer reboots. For example, if I insert a flash key drive, I get the "New hardware detected" screen, but then the machine instantly reboots. Also, I recently inserted a 2-year-old hard drive as a slave and had the same problem. Windows would start and even get as far as showing my desktop background. As the computer tries to set the drive letters, however, it instantly reboots again. Some other details: * The BIOS recognizes the new hard drive. * I have used the hard drive and memory stick on other Windows 2000 computers just fine. * I can still use my old hot-swappable hardware and the computer recognizes them perfectly. i.e., I insert the USB cable for my digital camera and Windows runs through "New hardware detected" quickly and then accepts the camera. Only new hardware has this problem. * I recently put startup.exe on my computer. For those unfamiliar with the utility, it allows users to force certain programs not to start up when the computer boots. For example, I have Real Player's auto update disabled. * I do not have any Microsoft programs disabled through startup. Does anyone have any ideas? I cannot give manufactorer details---I built the computer myself. It does have an Athlon 1800 processor, DDR memory, and a current 80 GB HD as the master. I will run Knoppix Linux later tonight to see if I still have the same reboot problem. (I doubt it.) Feel free to email responses to aycock [at] phys [dot] ufl [dot] edu

05-19-2005, 08:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ashler Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 128 OS: XP Pro	Check your event log and post any errors. This will help narrow down the problem.

05-21-2005, 09:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
djspoof Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 31 OS: Win2k	Well if linux does it too I'd check your ram. Weird problems only on one computer that don't add up always come down to bad or incompatible ram. Well not always, but it's my guess none the less.